Friday, October 15, 2004

October 15, 2004

Alright, my first “Guiding Light” fan weekend was a success! Not only did I survive the actual craziness of the weekend’s events, but I actually remembered quite a few names of the individuals who were there. I have to say that although all the events were amazing to attend, nothing caught me quite so off guard as Stephen Martines’ (Tony) “Unplugged” jam session Sunday night. I didn’t realize that when the cast members walked in the door, we would all be participating in a giant “Who’s Line is it, Anyway?” episode.

I am still so beat after all the interactions of this past weekend – yes, I know that was a week ago. I don’t think I slept more than 8 hours the entire weekend. How I managed to get through it still baffles me. At one point on Ricky Paull’s (Gus) boat trip a fan actually went to get me a drink and told me to sit down and take a load off, so cool in my opinion, but I guess I really looked like S#%T, LOL. I think a big factor about how well this weekend went was the fact that a crew of us (the younger actors) all tried to arrive together as a little posse or group to each event. It made it a bit easier for both the cast (us) to handle the crowd as well as for the fans to recognize all of us knowing each person’s storyline. It was also beneficial for all those who brought cameras because we were all already there and ready to have fun, so there wasn’t much of chasing individuals down to get a picture or an autograph. Oh, let me just say that I didn’t even get my sight back from all the flashes for at least two full days, LOL (a random afterthought). A downer moment for me at the bowling alley was the fact that Tom Pelphrey (JB) kicked my arse in score, but at least I beat him in finesse….but that doesn’t win a game so that really doesn’t matter, oh well. I won’t hold this against Tom; I’m just looking for a rematch.

Stephen Martines, man, where do I begin about his event, LOL? Apparently since his original guitarist had to jet unexpectedly, Stephen made the best arrangements he could to keep his event running. His “fill in” guitarist was named “Popa” and he was a TRIP to listen to. His made up lyrics and his love for oldies vs. Stephen’s passion for hip new age made for quite a head to head spectacle between the two of them. Doug Hutchison (Sebastian) threw in a bit of flair with his “MY MOTHER IS A DERANGED DOG EATING MANIAC” melody that everybody (even the cast) started cracking up about, a much unexpected ditty from Dougie.

When all the actual songs were played, we all (Doug, Tom, Stephen, and myself) were dragged up to the stage and did a Q and A session with the audience which was great because we all had the chance to get a bit more personal about ourselves with a smaller venue of fans. After about forty-five minutes of sappiness…err….I mean in-depth conversation, I had the brilliant idea of grabbing helium balloons and making up stupid songs to phrases and ideas the audience gave us. Needless to say, it got a bit crazy but memorable.

All in all, this weekend was great for me. I met so many fun fans that knew so much about the show and so much about me, to my surprise. I am so glad that I did all the events this year, but I now know that I should pace myself in future years (I’m hopeful to still be around).

6 Comments:

Hey there!!! This weekend was a lot of fun! It sounds like Stephen's jam session was a lot a fun as well. A friend who had gone told me after the concert that had she known I could've gotten in easily and without a problem; I would have been with her. You probably would've been surprised to see me there LOL! Hope to see you at the weekend next year.

Hey there!!! This weekend was a lot of fun! It sounds like Stephen's jam session was a lot a fun as well. A friend who had gone told me after the concert that had she known I could've gotten in easily and without a problem; I would have been with her. You probably would've been surprised to see me there LOL! Hope to see you at the weekend next year.

Hey there!!! This weekend was a lot of fun! It sounds like Stephen's jam session was a lot a fun as well. A friend who had gone told me after the concert that had she known I could've gotten in easily and without a problem; I would have been with her. You probably would've been surprised to see me there LOL! John, you are great and Coop is one of my favorites. Hope to see you at the weekend next year.

My name is Ilana and I met you at the events that took place on October 8th, 9th, and 10th. (St. Jude Daytime Benefit, "Bloss" and Friends Bowling, and the "Guiding Light" Fan Club Luncheon) I attended some of these events with my friend Adam. I was so happy to meet you and I thought that you were very sweet and kind to your fans. I also had the pleasure of speaking with you at the St. Jude Daytime Benefit on October 8th. I recently sent you a letter with some photos taken that weekend to the GL studio, and I hope you get it soon. I was just wondering of you had a Official Fan Club, because in the letter I approached the subject of creating an Offical Fan Club for you. I hope you respond to the letter when you do get it. I think that you are a fabulous actor and I am looking forward to seeing more of you on GL!

Hey John, I just wanted to say that the GL fan club was ao awesome. Hanging out with everyone and you especially made the whole weekend so much fun. You and Tom and Stephen and everyone else were so friendly and willing to just hang out and have a normal conversation with everyone there. I would have to say Stephen's little concert at Charley O's was the best because it gave us (the fans) a chance to interact with you guys and just sit back and have LOTS of fun. But what I realized there was you have a teriffic voice and def should start your own band like Bradley and Stephen. Well I cant wait till this Spring when me and the 5 other ladies with me come back for that tour of the Studio and hopefully see you. If not I will be looking forward in seeing you next year at the GL Fan Club weekend again. I love your work! N 2 keep in mind if you need a fan club or a website... Me and a few friends are def willing to make one for you just let me kno! "Your Biggest Fan" Love, Steph (your rose girl)

John!! You rock!! I had a blast at Stephen's event, and it was so great getting to meet you! You're an absolute sweetheart! I couldn't get enough of you! LOL I'm so glad that you had such a good time at Stephen's event, because I know he was glad to have you there (and the rest of us were too). ;) Hopefully I'll get to see you again soon!